Washington DC Event Planner Guide - 2026 Event Planning Guide
Getting to & Around DC
2025-11-26 11:37:19
With three nearby airports, trains pulling into Union Station and an interstate system known as the Capital Beltway, reaching Washington, DC is easy. Once you’re in the District, getting around is easy, too, thanks to public transportation, access to taxis, Uber and Lyft and pedestrian- and bike-friendly neighborhoods. Find more information on washington.org.
GETTING TO DC
BY PLANE
Three major airports typically handle more than 1,000 international and domestic departures daily:
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), closest to DC, served by Metro. Features a new 14-gate concourse.
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), 26 miles west of DC in Dulles, Virginia. Served by Metro.
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), south of Baltimore, 32 miles from DC.
BY TRAIN
Union Station is the country’s second busiest Amtrak station.
The station also services Metro, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), which offers service between Northern Virginia and DC and the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC), which provides commuter rail service for neighboring Maryland.
BY CAR
The Capital Beltway (I-495) and I-95 encircle the city, while I-66 and I-395 lead into DC. It is recommended to park at a hotel or public garage and then use public transportation or chartered transportation provided for groups. Renting a car is unnecessary unless you plan to leave the metro area.
BY BUS
Companies including Greyhound, Peter Pan, BoltBus, Megabus and BestBus all offer service from Union Station. Or, let Destination DC recommend a transportation company.
GETTING AROUND DC
BUSES
Metrobus operates 125 routes throughout DC and the surrounding area, with over 1,500 eco-friendly buses. Fares vary based on the service, ride length, day and time you ride. For bus charters, see the Bus Charter Rental listings beginning on page 119.
CARS
Taxis in DC accept credit cards or cash. Fares start at $4.50 and are metered. A 15-20% tip is customary. Uber and Lyft also provide service throughout the metro DC area, and include options ranging from ride-shares to luxury SUVs. Car sharing services, such as Zipcar, are also available in the city.
ON FOOT
Ranked the most walkable city in the world by House Beautiful and the third-most walkable city in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler, DC’s numerous public parks and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods make navigation on foot a breeze. Order a free map today on washington.org.
ON BIKE
Cruise around DC on a battery-powered scooter or one of the bike-sharing systems that serve the area, such as Capital Bikeshare, the first in the country. You can also rent wheels and a helmet from Unlimited Biking.
METRO
Metro transit services make DC accessible and easy to navigate. The underground train and citywide bus system (Metrorail and Metrobus) serve the area. Most major hotels and attractions are near Metrorail stops.
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